U.S. patent application number 13/246017 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-29 for electrical connector having commoned ground shields.
Invention is credited to Vittal Balasubramanian, Mark R. Gray, Steven E. Minich.
Application Number | 20120077380 13/246017 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45871101 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120077380 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Minich; Steven E. ; et
al. |
March 29, 2012 |
ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HAVING COMMONED GROUND SHIELDS
Abstract
A row-based electrical connector includes a connector housing
that supports a plurality of electrical contacts that define
broadside coupled differential signal pairs along a row direction.
The electrical connector further includes conductive ground shields
disposed between adjacent differential signal pairs, and a
conductive plate in electrical communication with the ground
shields and electrically isolated from the differential signal
pairs.
Inventors: |
Minich; Steven E.; (York,
PA) ; Gray; Mark R.; (York, PA) ;
Balasubramanian; Vittal; (Camp Hill, PA) |
Family ID: |
45871101 |
Appl. No.: |
13/246017 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61386613 |
Sep 27, 2010 |
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
439/607.05 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/6589 20130101;
H01R 25/00 20130101; H01R 13/6471 20130101; H01R 13/6585 20130101;
H01R 12/724 20130101; H01R 12/721 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/607.05 |
International
Class: |
H01R 13/648 20060101
H01R013/648 |
Claims
1. An electrical connector comprising: a connector housing that
defines a mating interface and a mounting interface the connector
housing supporting a plurality of electrical contacts that define a
plurality of broadside coupled differential signal pairs, wherein
the electrical contacts of the differential signal pairs are spaced
along a row direction; a plurality electrically conductive ground
shields disposed between adjacent differential signal pairs along
the row direction; and a conductive ground commoning member in
electrical communication with the ground shields and electrically
isolated from the electrical contacts of the differential signal
pairs.
2. The electrical connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the
differential signal pairs are arranged along first and second rows
that are spaced from each other along a column direction that is
substantially perpendicular to the row direction.
3. The electrical connector as recited in claim 2, wherein
differential signal pairs of the first row are configured to
transmit data in a direction from the mounting interface toward the
mating interface, and the differential signal pairs of the second
row are configured to transmit data in a direction from the mating
interface toward the mounting interface.
4. The electrical connector as recited in claim 3, wherein each row
is a receptacle configured to receive respective edge cards.
5. The electrical connector as recited in claim 1, further
comprising a plurality of first leadframe assemblies spaced along
the row direction, each of the first leadframe assemblies including
a first leadframe housing that retains respective ones of the
electrical contacts, wherein adjacent ones of the first leadframe
assemblies are arranged in pairs, such that at least one of the
respective electrical contacts of each pair defines a differential
signal pair.
6. The electrical connector as recited in claim 5, wherein the
first leadframe housings are overmolded onto the respective ones of
the electrical contacts.
7. The electrical connector as recited in claim 5, further
comprising a plurality of second leadframe assemblies, each of the
second leadframe assemblies including the ground shield and a
leadframe housing that retains the ground shield, wherein ones of
the second leadframe assemblies are disposed between respective
pairs of the first leadframe assemblies.
8. The electrical connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the
ground shields each define a retention slot, and the ground
commoning member is retained in the retentions slot so as to
electrically connect the ground shields.
9. The electrical connector as recited in claim 8, wherein the
ground shields comprise a plurality of teeth that at least
partially define the retention slots and are configured to engage
the retained ground commoning member.
10. The electrical connector as recited in claim 9, wherein the
first leadframe housings define slots that receive the ground
commoning member.
11. The electrical connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the
ground commoning member comprises a plate.
12. The electrical connector as recited in claim 11, wherein the
plate is elongate along a plane that is substantially parallel to
the mounting interface.
13. The electrical connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the
electrical contacts and the ground shields define respective mating
portions that are configured to electrically connect to a
complementary electrical component along a mating direction, and
the ground commoning member is substantially aligned with the
mating portions along a direction that is substantially
perpendicular to the mating direction.
14. The electrical connector as recited in claim 1, further
comprising a plurality of leadframe assemblies each including a
leadframe housing and one of the electrically conductive ground
shields overmolded by the leadframe housing.
15. An electrical connector comprising: a connector housing; a
plurality of first leadframe assemblies each including a first
leadframe housing and a plurality of electrical signal contacts
supported by the first leadframe housing, wherein the plurality of
first leadframe housings are supported by the connector housing and
spaced from each other along a row direction, and the plurality of
first leadframe assemblies are arranged in pairs that include a
first select leadframe assembly of the first leadframe assemblies
and a second select leadframe assembly of the first leadframe
assemblies, such that one of the electrical signal contacts of the
first select leadframe assembly and one of the electrical signal
contacts of the second select leadframe assembly defines a
differential signal pair. a plurality of second leadframe
assemblies supported by the connector housing and disposed between
adjacent pairs of the first leadframe assemblies, wherein each of
the second leadframe assemblies includes a second leadframe housing
and an electrically conductive shield supported by the second
leadframe housing, and the electrically conductive shield is
disposed between the differential signal pairs of the adjacent
pairs of the first leadframe assemblies; and a ground commoning
member electrically connected to each of the plurality of second
leadframe assemblies and electrically isolated from each of the
plurality of electrical signal contacts.
16. The electrical connector as recited in claim 15, wherein the
electrical signal contacts each differential signal pair are
broadside coupled.
17. The electrical connector as recited in claim 15, wherein each
of the first and second select leadframe assemblies comprise first
and second rows of electrical contacts that each includes a first
electrical contact and a second electrical contact spaced from the
first electrical contact, wherein each of the first and second rows
of electrical contacts are configured to mate with first and second
optical transceivers, respectively.
18. The electrical connector as recited in claim 17, wherein the
first and second electrical contacts of each row of the first
select leadframe assembly and the first and second electrical
contacts of each row of the second select leadframe assembly of
each pair defines respective differential signal pairs.
19. The electrical connector as recited in claim 18, wherein the
electrically conductive shield is disposed between and overlaps
each of the differential signal pairs of adjacent pairs of first
leadframe assemblies.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.
61/386,613 filed Sep. 27, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety
herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of
electrical connectors, and in particular relates to an electrical
connector that is configured to improve signal integrity at high
data transfer speeds.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electrical connectors provide signal connections between
electronic devices using electrically-conductive contacts, or
electrical contacts. In some applications, an electrical connector
provides a connectable interface between one or more substrates,
e.g., printed circuit boards. One example electrical connector
assembly can include a first electrical connector, such as a
receptacle connector, that can be mounted to a first substrate, and
a complementary second electrical connector, such as a header
connector, that can be mounted to a second substrate. Typically, a
plurality of electrical contacts of the receptacle connector is
adapted to mate with a corresponding plurality of electrical
contacts of the header connector. For instance, the electrical
contacts of the receptacle connector can receive the electrical
contacts of the header connector or otherwise mate with the
electrical contacts of the header connector so as to establish an
electrical connection between the electrical contacts of the
receptacle connector and the electrical contacts of the header
connector.
[0004] The electrical contacts of both the header and receptacle
connectors typically include a respective plurality of signal
contacts and a respective plurality of ground contacts. Often, the
signal contacts are so closely spaced that undesirable
interference, or "cross talk," occurs between adjacent signal
contacts. As used herein, the term "adjacent" refers to contacts
(or rows or columns) that are next to one another. Cross talk
occurs when one signal contact induces electrical interference in
an adjacent signal contact due to intermingling electrical fields,
thereby compromising signal integrity. With electronic device
miniaturization and high speed, high signal integrity electronic
communications becoming more prevalent, the reduction of cross talk
becomes a significant factor in connector design.
SUMMARY
[0005] In accordance with one embodiment, an electrical connector
includes a connector housing that defines a mating interface and a
mounting interface, the connector housing supporting a plurality of
electrical contacts that define a plurality of broadside coupled
differential signal pairs. The electrical contacts of the
differential signal pairs are spaced along a row direction. The
electrical connector further includes a plurality conductive ground
shields disposed between adjacent differential signal pairs along
the row direction. The electrical connector further includes a
conductive ground commoning member in electrical communication with
the ground shields and electrically isolated from the differential
signal pairs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, will
be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the example embodiments
of the present disclosure, references to the drawings are made. It
should be understood, however, that the application is not limited
to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the
drawings:
[0007] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an electrical connector
constructed in accordance with one embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the electrical connector
illustrated in FIG. 1A, shown with the housing removed, mounted to
a substrate and mated to a pair of complementary electrical
components;
[0009] FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of a first leadframe
assembly of a first plurality of leadframe assemblies of the
electrical connector illustrated in FIG. 1A, wherein the first
leadframe assembly includes a first leadframe housing and a first
plurality of electrical contacts supported by the first leadframe
housing;
[0010] FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of the first plurality of
electrical contacts of the first leadframe assembly illustrated in
FIG. 2A;
[0011] FIG. 2C is a side elevation view of the first plurality of
electrical contacts as illustrated in FIG. 2B, but constructed in
accordance with an alternative embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 2D is a sectional end elevation view of the first
plurality of electrical contacts of FIG. 3B as represented by one
of the first plurality of electrical contacts taken along line
2D-2D;
[0013] FIG. 3A is a side elevation view of a second leadframe
assembly of a second plurality of leadframe assemblies of the
electrical connector illustrated in FIG. 1A, wherein the second
leadframe assembly includes a second leadframe housing and a second
plurality of electrical contacts supported by the second leadframe
housing;
[0014] FIG. 3B is a side elevation view of the second plurality of
electrical contacts of the second leadframe assembly illustrated in
FIG. 3A;
[0015] FIG. 3C is a side elevation view of the first plurality of
electrical contacts as illustrated in FIG. 3B, but constructed in
accordance with an alternative embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 3D is a sectional end elevation view of the second
plurality of electrical contacts of FIG. 3B as represented by one
of the second plurality of electrical contacts taken along line
3D-3D;
[0017] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a third leadframe assembly
of a third plurality of leadframe assemblies of the electrical
connector illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the third leadframe
assembly includes a third leadframe housing and an electrical
ground plate supported by the third leadframe housing;
[0018] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the electrical ground plate
illustrated in FIG. 4A;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a sectional side elevation view of the electrical
connector illustrated in FIG. 1; and
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the electrical connector
illustrated in FIG. 1, showing the connector housing and leadframe
housings removed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1A-B, an electrical connector system 10
includes an electrical connector 20 and a complementary electrical
component 23, which can be a transceiver, such as an optical
transceiver 26a or any alternative electrical component such as a
copper cable. The electrical connector 20 is configured to be mated
with at least one complementary electrical component, such as the
complementary electrical component 23, which can include a first
substrate 27. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the
optical transceiver 26a can be a first optical transceiver, and the
at least one complementary electrical component 23 can further
include a second transceiver, such as a second optical transceiver
26b that includes a second substrate 28. The electrical connector
20 is configured to be mounted to a third substrate 29 which can be
provided as a printed circuit board (PCB). The electrical connector
20 can be a serial attached small computer system interface (SCSI),
also known as a mini SAS/HD connector. The first, second, and third
substrates 27, 28, and 29 can each be configured as a printed
circuit board, such that the first and second substrates 27 and 28
can be placed in electrical communication with the third substrate
29 when the electrical connector 20 is mated with the first and
second substrates 27 and 28, and mounted to the third substrate
29.
[0022] The electrical connector 20 includes a plurality of
electrical contacts 46 and a connector housing 30 that is
dielectric or electrically insulative and supports the electrical
contacts 46. When the electrical connector 20 is mounted to the
third substrate 29, the electrical contacts 46 are electrically
connected to complementary electrical traces of the third substrate
29, thereby placing the electrical connector 20 in electrical
communication with the third substrate 29. When the electrical
connector 20 is mated to at least one optical transceiver, such as
the first and second optical transceivers 26a-b, the electrical
contacts 46 are placed in electrical communication with
complementary electrical traces of a respective substrate of the at
least one optical transceiver, such as the first and second
substrates 27 and 28 of the first and second optical transceivers
26a-b, respectively, thereby placing the electrical connector 20 in
electrical communication with the at least one substrate, such as
the first and second substrates 27 and 28. Accordingly, when the
electrical connector 20 is mounted to the third substrate 29 and
mated with the first and second optical transceivers 26a-b, each of
the first and second substrates 27 and 28 is placed in electrical
communication with the third substrate 29.
[0023] The connector housing 30 defines a top end 32 and an opposed
bottom end 34, a front end 36 and an opposed rear end 38, and
opposed sides 40. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment,
the opposed sides 40 are spaced apart along a longitudinal
direction L, the front end rear ends 36 and 38 are spaced apart
along a lateral direction A that is substantially perpendicular
with respect to the longitudinal direction L, and the top and
bottom ends 32 and 34 are spaced apart along a transverse direction
T that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the lateral
direction A and the longitudinal direction L. In accordance with
the illustrated embodiment, the transverse direction T is oriented
vertically, and the longitudinal and lateral directions L and A are
oriented horizontally, though it should be appreciated that the
orientation of the connector housing 30 may vary during use. In
accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing
30 is illustrated as elongate in the lateral direction.
Furthermore, the electrical connector 20 defines a row direction 51
that can extend along the longitudinal direction L, parallel to the
direction of elongation of the third substrate 29, and a column
direction 55 that is substantially perpendicular to the row
direction 51 and can extend along the transverse direction T, and
thus substantially perpendicular to the direction of elongation of
the third substrate 29.
[0024] The connector housing 30 defines a mating interface 42
disposed proximate to the front end 36 and a mounting interface 44
disposed proximate to the bottom end 34. The mounting interface 44
is configured to operatively engage the third substrate 29 when the
electrical connector 20 is mounted to the third substrate 29, and
the mating interface 42 is configured to operatively engage the
first and second substrates 27 and 28 when the electrical connector
20 is mated with the respective first and second optical
transceivers 26a-b. The connector housing 30 defines at least one
receptacle 45a such as a first or upper receptacle and a second or
lower receptacle 45b that is spaced from the first or upper
receptacle 45a along the transverse direction T. The receptacles
45a-b can be disposed at mating interface 42, and configured to
receive corresponding electrical components, such as the first and
second optical transceivers 26a and 26b, respectively. Each of the
receptacles 45a and 45b extends into the front end 36 of the
connector housing 30. The first receptacle 45a extends along a
first or upper row 47, and the second receptacle 45b extends along
a second or lower row 49 that is spaced below the first or upper
row 47 along the transverse direction T. Thus, the upper and lower
rows 47 and 49 are spaced along the column direction 55. Each of
the first or upper row 47 and the second or lower row 49 are
elongate along the row direction 51, and thus extend substantially
parallel to each other. Each of the receptacles 45a-b extends
laterally into the front end 36, and is sized such that respective
edges of the first and second substrates 27 and 28 are configured
to be inserted into the receptacles 45a-b of the first and second
rows 47 and 49, respectively. Thus, the first and second substrates
27 and 28 can be described as vertically stacked when mated to the
electrical connector 20. The electrical connector 20 can be
described as an edge card connector in that the electrical
connector 20 is configured to mate with the edges of the first and
second substrates 27 and 28. For instance, the receptacles 45a and
45b are configured to receive respective edge cards, such as the
first and second substrates 27 and 28.
[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-3D, the electrical connector 20
includes a plurality of electrical contacts 46 that are
electrically conductive and supported by the connector housing 30.
In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the electrical
connector 20 includes a plurality first of leadframe assemblies 48
that each include a respective first leadframe housing 50 and
respective select ones of the plurality of electrical contacts 46
that are supported by the first leadframe housing 50. The first
leadframe housing 50, which can be a dielectric or electrically
insulative material that each retains a plurality of the electrical
contacts 46. The electrical contacts 46 are signal contacts in
accordance with the illustrated embodiment. Thus, the leadframe
assemblies 48 can be referred to as signal leadframe assemblies.
The first plurality of leadframe assemblies 48 can be provided as
insert molded leadframe assemblies (IMLAs) whereby the first
leadframe housing 50 is overmolded onto the respective electrical
contacts 46. The leadframe assemblies 48 are supported by the
connector housing 30 and arranged such that adjacent leadframe
assemblies 48 are spaced along the row direction 51.
[0026] The first leadframe assemblies 48 can include at least one
first select leadframe assembly 48a of the plurality of first
leadframe assemblies 48, such as a plurality of first select
leadframe assemblies 48a of the first leadframe assemblies 48, and
at least one second select leadframe assembly 48b of the plurality
of first leadframe assemblies 48, such as a plurality of second
select leadframe assemblies 48b of the plurality of first leadframe
assemblies 48. The first leadframe assemblies 48 can be arranged in
leadframe pairs 76 (see FIG. 6) that each include one of the first
select leadframe assemblies 48a and one of the second select
leadframe assemblies 48b that are disposed adjacent to each other
along the row direction 51.
[0027] The first leadframe housings 50 each define a lower mounting
end 58 and an opposed upper end 60 that is spaced from the lower
mounting end 58 along the transverse direction T, a front mating
portion 62 and an opposed rear end 64 that is spaced from the front
mating portion 62 along the lateral direction A, and opposed first
and second opposed sides 66 that are spaced from each other along
the longitudinal direction L. Each of the respective electrical
contacts 46 of each leadframe assembly 48 defines a mating portion
70 that extends laterally forward from the front mating portion 62
of the corresponding leadframe housing 50. Each of the respective
electrical contacts 46 of each leadframe assembly 48 further
defines a mounting portion 72 that extends down from the lower
mounting end 58 of the corresponding leadframe housing 50. The
mating portions 70 are configured to electrically mate with the
complementary electrical component 23 as described below. The
mounting portions 72 are illustrated as eye-of-the-needle tails
that can be press-fit into complementary apertures extending into
or through the third substrate 29. Alternatively, the mounting
portions 72 can be configured to be surface mounted to the
respective third substrate 29, or otherwise mounted to the third
substrate 29 as desired so as to place the electrical contacts 46
in electrical communication with corresponding electrical traces of
the third substrate 29. Thus, the electrical connector 20 can be
mated with the electrical component 23 so as to place the third
substrate 29 in electrical communication with at least one
substrate to which the electrical connector 20 is mated, such as
the first and second substrates 27 and 28.
[0028] Each of the electrical contacts 46 defines an intermediate
portion 74 that extends between the mating portion 70 and the
mounting portion 72. The intermediate portion 74 can define a first
segment 74a and a second segment 74b that are inline with the
mating portion 70 and mounting portion 72, respectively, and a
joint 74c that is coupled to the segments 74a and 74b. The first
and second segments 74a and 74b and the joint 74c can be integral
with each other. In accordance with one embodiment, the joint 74c
can define a right-angle between the segments 74a and 74b (FIGS. 2B
and 3B) or can define an oblique intermediate segment that is
connected between the segments 74a and 74b (FIGS. 2C and 3C) so as
to define an angle with respect to at least one or both of the
segments 74a and 74b that is greater than 90 degrees. The joint 74c
can alternatively be curved or alternatively shaped as desired such
that the mating portion 70 and mounting portion 72 are in
electrical communication. Furthermore, each of the first and second
segments 74a and 74b can extend substantially straight, curved, or
can define any suitable direction of extension as desired.
[0029] The electrical contacts 46 of each leadframe assembly 48 are
spaced along the generally vertical or transverse column direction
55. Each of the electrical contacts 46 defines a pair of opposed
broadsides 56 that are spaced apart along a first direction, such
as the row direction, and a pair of opposed edges 54 that are
spaced apart in a second direction that is substantially
perpendicular to the first direction. The second direction can
extend along the column direction 55. In accordance with the
illustrated embodiment, the edges 54 are substantially parallel to
each other and laterally spaced, and the broadsides 56 are
substantially parallel to each other. The edges 54 and broadsides
56 are substantially perpendicular to each other, such that the
electrical contacts 46 define a substantially rectangular
cross-section. The edges 54 define a first length sufficient so as
to be connected between the opposed broadsides 56 along a direction
that is substantially perpendicular to the broadsides 56. The
broadsides 56 define a second length sufficient so as to be
connected between the opposed edges 54 along a direction that is
substantially perpendicular to the edges 54. The first length of
the edges 54 is less than the second length of the broadsides 56,
and the lengths of the edges 54 and broadsides can differ or be the
same among the electrical contacts 46. The edges 54 of the
electrical contacts 46 of each leadframe assembly 48 can face each
other along the column direction 55. The broadsides 56 of the
electrical contacts of adjacent leadframe assemblies 48 can face
each other along the row direction 51.
[0030] Referring also to FIG. 6, the electrical connector 20
defines pairs 76 of adjacent first and second select leadframe
assemblies 48a and 48b such that aligned contacts 46 of the
adjacent leadframe assemblies 48 along the row direction 51 define
differential signal pairs 45. Otherwise stated, adjacent electrical
contacts 46 of the respective pairs 76 of adjacent leadframe
assemblies 48 define differential signal pairs. Thus, because the
electrical contacts 46 of the pairs of adjacent leadframe
assemblies 48 whose broadsides 56 face each other define
differential signal pairs, the electrical contacts 46 can be said
to be broadside-coupled. Furthermore, because adjacent electrical
contacts 46 along the row direction 51 define differential signal
pairs, the electrical connector 20 can be referred to as a
row-based electrical connector.
[0031] The leadframe assemblies 48 can include as many electrical
contacts 46 as desired that are spaced along the column direction
55, such that pairs 76 of the electrical contacts 46 of adjacent
leadframe assemblies 48 can define differential signal pairs as
desired. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, each
leadframe assembly 48 defines at least one pair of electrical
contacts, such as a first or upper pair 46a of electrical contacts
46, and a second or lower pair 46b of electrical contacts 46. For
instance, each pair 46a and 46b can include a first electrical
contact 46' and a second electrical contact 46''. When the
leadframe assemblies 48 are supported by the connector housing 30,
the mating portions 70 of the first and second electrical contacts
46' and 46'' extend into the receptacle 45a that is elongate along
the first row 47, and the mating portions 70 of the first and
second electrical contacts 46' and 46'' of the lower pair 46b
extend into the second receptacle 45b that is elongate along the
second row 49.
[0032] The mating portions 70 of each of the first and second
electrical contacts 46' and 46'' of the upper pair 46a are spaced
apart along the transverse direction T in the first receptacle 45a,
and are placed in electrical communication with opposed upper and
lower surfaces of the first substrate 27 when the first substrate
27 of the first optical transceiver 26a is inserted into the first
receptacle 45a. The mating portions 70 of each of the first and
second electrical contacts 46'a and 46'' are spaced apart along the
transverse direction T in the receptacle 45b of the lower row 49,
and are placed in electrical communication with opposed surfaces of
the second substrate 28 when the second substrate 28 is inserted
into the second receptacle 45b. In this regard, the mating portions
70 of first and second ones of the contacts 46 of a corresponding
leadframe assembly 48 define at least one substrate-receiving gap
that is configured to receive a substrate of the complementary
electrical component 23 so as to place the complementary electrical
component 23 in electrical communication with the third substrate
29. For instance, the mating portions 70 of the first and second
electrical contacts 46' and 46'' of the upper pair 46a define a
first substrate-receiving gap 53a that is configured to receive the
first substrate 27 such that the mating portions 70 of the first
and second electrical contacts 46' and 46'' of the upper pair 46a
engage opposed surfaces of the first substrate 27. The mating
portions 70 of each of the first and second electrical contacts 46'
and 46'' of the lower pair 46b define a second substrate-receiving
gap 53b that is configured to receive the second substrate 28 such
that the mating portions 70 of each of the first and second
electrical contacts 46' and 46'' of the lower pair 46b engage
opposed surfaces of the second substrate 28.
[0033] The respective electrical contacts 46 of adjacent leadframe
assemblies 48, for instance electrical contacts 46 that are aligned
along the row direction 51, can define differential signal pairs.
In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, each of the first
and second electrical contacts 46' and 46'' of each of the upper
and lower pairs 46a and 46b, respectively, of a first one of the
leadframe assemblies 48 and each of the first and second electrical
contacts 46' and 46'' of each of the upper and lower pairs 46a and
46b, respectively, of a second one of the leadframe assemblies 48
that is adjacent the first one of the leadframe assemblies 48
define respective differential signal pairs. For instance, the
first electrical contact 46' of the upper pair 46a of a first one
of the leadframe assemblies 48 and the first electrical contact 46'
of the upper pair 46a of a second one of the leadframe assemblies
48 that is adjacent the first one of the leadframe assemblies 48
can define a first differential signal pair. Furthermore, the
second electrical contact 46'' of the upper pair 46a of the first
one of the leadframe assemblies 48 and the second electrical
contact 46'' of the upper pair 46a of the second one of the
leadframe assemblies 48 can define a second differential signal
pair. Furthermore still, the first electrical contact 46' of the
lower pair 46b of the first one of the leadframe assemblies 48 and
the first electrical contact 46' of the lower pair 46b of the
second one of the leadframe assemblies 48 can define a third
differential signal pair. Furthermore still, the second electrical
contact 46'' of the lower pair 46b of the first one of the
leadframe assemblies 48 and the second electrical contact 46'' of
the lower pair 46b of the second one of the leadframe assemblies 48
can define a fourth differential signal pair. In accordance with
the illustrated embodiment, the first one of the leadframe
assemblies 48 can define one of the first select leadframe
assemblies 48a, and the second one of the leadframe assemblies 48
can define one of the second select leadframe assemblies 48b.
[0034] Thus, it should be appreciated that adjacent electrical
contacts 46 that define a differential signal pair are spaced apart
along the row direction 51, such that the respective broadsides 56
face each other. Accordingly, the electrical contacts 46 that
define differential signal pairs can be said to be broadside
coupled. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, each pair
76 of adjacent leadframe assemblies 48 can define four broadside
coupled differential signal pairs, a first pair of which are
disposed in the first row 47 of receptacles 45a that receives the
first substrate 27 of the first optical transceiver 26a, and a
second pair of which are disposed in the second row 49 of
receptacles 45b that receives the second substrate 28 of the second
optical transceiver 26b. It should be appreciated that the
leadframe assemblies 48 can include any number of electrical
contacts 46 as desired, and the electrical connector 20 can include
any number of receptacles at the mating interface 42 as
desired.
[0035] Because the mating portions 70 of the upper and lower pairs
46a and 46b of the electrical contacts 46 are arranged so as to
receive the first and second substrates 27 and 28, respectively,
the electrical contacts 46 can be referred to as receptacle
contacts and the electrical connector 20 can be referred to as a
receptacle connector. It should be appreciated, however that the
electrical connector 20 can be constructed in accordance with any
suitable alternative embodiment without departing from the present
disclosure. For instance, the electrical connector 20 can
alternatively be constructed as a header connector whose electrical
contacts 46 are received by complementary electrical contacts of
the complementary electrical component 23. Furthermore, because the
mating portions 70 of the electrical contacts 46 are oriented
substantially perpendicular with respect to the mounting portions
72, the electrical connector 20 can be described as a right-angle
connector. Alternatively, the electrical connector 20 can be
configured as a vertical connector whose mating portions 70 are
oriented substantially parallel with respect to the mounting
portions 72. For instance, the mounting portions 72 can extend
rearward from the rear ends 64 of the first leadframe housings
50.
[0036] While all of the electrical contacts 46 disposed in the
leadframe assemblies 48 are signal contacts in accordance with the
illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that one or more
of the electrical contacts 46 can be ground contacts, and can be
positioned such that the ground contacts of the pairs 76 of
adjacent leadframe assemblies 48 are aligned along the row
direction 51, or alternatively positioned as desired. For instance,
the ground contacts can be disposed between the upper and lower
pairs 46a and 46b. It should be further appreciated that in
accordance with alternative embodiments, the electrical contacts 46
can define single-ended signal contacts. Alternatively still, the
electrical connector 20 can be a column-based electrical connector
whereby adjacent electrical contacts 46 along the column direction
55 of a given leadframe assembly 48 define differential signal
pairs.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, the electrical connector 20
includes a plurality of second leadframe assemblies 80 that are
disposed between adjacent pairs 76 of adjacent first and second
select leadframe assemblies 48a and 48b. Each of the third
leadframe assemblies 80 includes an electrically conductive plate
84 that defines a plate body 86, and a second leadframe housing 82,
which can be a dielectric or electrically insulative material, that
supports the electrically conductive plate body 86, which can be
metallic or otherwise electrically absorptive. For instance, the
plate body 86 can be made from an electrically absorptive lossy
material. Thus, the plate body 86 can be made from a metallic or
non-metallic material. In accordance with certain embodiments, the
third leadframe assemblies 80 can be insert molded leadframe
assemblies (IMLAs) whereby the plate body 86 of the plate 84 is
overmolded by the second leadframe housings 82. Each plate body 86
can be oriented in a vertical plane that is defined by the
transverse T and lateral A directions, and extend vertically and
laterally a sufficient distance so as to overlap at least part up
to all of at least one up to all of the adjacent electrical
contacts 46 with respect to the row direction 51. Thus, a line
extending along the row direction 51 passes through at least one of
the electrical contacts 46 of the leadframe assembly 48 that is
adjacent the plate body 86 along the row direction, and further
passes through the plate body 86. The leadframe assemblies 48 and
80 can be supported by the connector housing 30 and arranged such
that the leadframe assemblies 80 and respective plates 84 are
disposed between adjacent pairs 76 of adjacent leadframe assemblies
48, such as adjacent first and second select leadframe assemblies
48a and 48b. Accordingly, a line extending along the row direction
51 that passes through a broadside coupled differential signal pair
of electrical contacts 46 of a corresponding pair 76 of leadframe
assemblies 48 can pass through the plate 84 after passing through
the differential signal pair. Thus, the plates 84 can be disposed
between adjacent pairs 76 of leadframe assemblies 48. Further, the
plates 84 can define metallic electromagnetic shields that are
disposed between at least one pair of differential signal pairs
defined by the adjacent pairs 76 of leadframe assemblies 48. As
described above, each pair 76 of leadframe assemblies 48 can be
defined by a first select leadframe assembly 48a and a second
select leadframe assembly 48b.
[0038] Furthermore, at least one of the plates 84 up to all of the
plates 84 can define a plurality of mating portions 87 that can be
aligned with the mating portions 70 of respective of the electrical
contacts 46 along the row direction 51. In accordance with the
illustrated embodiment, the mating portions 87 can be configured as
fingers that project laterally forward from the respective plate
bodies 86. The mating portions 87 can be shaped substantially
identically with the aligned mating portions 70 of the electrical
contacts 46 as illustrated, or can be shaped differently as
desired. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, each plate
84 defines at least one pair of mating portions 87, such as a first
or upper pair 87a of mating portions 87 and a second or lower pair
87b of mating portions that are electrically commoned, or
electrically connected, together via the respective plate body 86.
Thus, an electrical path is established between each of the mating
portions 87 through the plate body 86. For instance, each pair 87a
and 87b of mating portions 87 can include a first mating portion
87' and a second mating portion 87''. When the plates 84 are
supported by the connector housing 30, each of the first and second
fingers mating portions 87' and 87'' of the upper pair 87a can
extend into the receptacle 45a that is elongate along the first row
47, and the each of the first and second mating portions 87' and
87'' of the lower pair 87b extend into the second receptacle 45b
that is elongate along the second row 49. Thus, the mating portions
87 of the upper pair 87a can be aligned with the mating portions 70
of the electrical contacts 46 of the upper pair 46a along the row
direction 51, and can be shaped substantially identically to the
mating portions 70 of the electrical contacts 46 of the upper pair
46a of each leadframe assembly 48. Likewise, the mating portions 87
of the lower pair 87b are aligned with the electrical contacts 46
of the lower pair 46b along the row direction 51, and can be shaped
substantially identically to the mating portions 70 of the
electrical contacts 46 of the lower pair 46b of each leadframe
assembly 48.
[0039] Thus, the mating portions 87 of the upper pair 87a, and the
mating portions 87 of the lower pair 87b, are spaced apart a
distance equal to the mating portions 70 of the electrical contacts
46 of both the upper pair 46a in the upper receptacle 45a, and the
lower pair 46b in the receptacle 45b, respectively, along the row
direction 51. Accordingly, during operation, the first receptacle
45a is configured to receive the first substrate 27, such that
opposed surfaces of the first substrate 27 are placed in electrical
communication with both 1) the first and second mating portions 87'
and 87'', respectively, of the upper pair 87a, and 2) the mating
portions 70 of the first and second electrical contacts 46' and
46'' of the upper pair 46a of electrical contacts 46. Likewise,
during operation, the lower receptacle 45b is configured to receive
the second substrate 28, such that opposed surfaces of the second
substrate 28 are placed in electrical communication with both 1)
the first and second mating portions 87' and 87'', respectively, of
the lower pair 87b, and 2) the mating portions 70 of the first and
second electrical contacts 46' and 46'' of the lower pair 46b of
electrical contacts 46.
[0040] At least one of the plates 84 up to all of the plates 84 can
further define a plurality of mounting portions 90, which can be
configured as fingers that are spaced along the lateral direction A
and project down from the respective plate bodies 86. The mounting
portions 90 are electrically commoned together and further
electrically commoned with the mating portions 87 via the plate
body 86. Thus, each of the plates 84 establish an electrical path
between the respective mounting portions 90 along the corresponding
plate body 86 that supports the mounting portions 90. Furthermore,
each of the plates 84 establishes an electrical path from the
mating portions 87 to the mounting portions 90 along the
corresponding plate body 86. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the mounting
portions 90 of the plates 84 can be positioned between the mounting
portions 72 of the electrical contacts 46 of the first and second
select leadframe assemblies 48a and 48b along the lateral direction
A. The mounting portions 90 can be shaped substantially identically
to the mounting portions 72 of the electrical contacts 46. The
mounting portions 90 can be configured as eye-of-the-needle tails
that can be press-fit into complementary apertures extending into
or through the third substrate 29. Alternatively, the mounting
portions 90 can be configured to be surface mounted to the
respective third substrate 29. Thus, the plates 84 further define
ground contacts G that are connected between the third substrate 29
and at least one or both of the first and second substrates 27 and
28 when the electrical connector 20 is mated to the electrical
component 23. In this regard, the plates 84 can be referred to as
conductive ground shields, and the leadframe assemblies 80 can be
referred to as ground leadframes. Furthermore the electrical
contacts 46 of the leadframe assemblies 48 can define signal
contacts (S). Accordingly, the electrical connector 20 can define a
repeating S-S-G pattern or any suitable alternative pattern along
the row direction 51.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 6 in particular, the electrical
connector 20 can further include a ground commoning member 92 that
can be configured as an electrically conductive ground commoning
plate that can be metallic or electrically absorptive in accordance
with the illustrated embodiment. For instance, the ground commoning
member 92 can be made from an electrically absorptive lossy
material. Thus, the ground commoning member 92 can be made from a
metallic or non-metallic material. The ground commoning member 92
can be electrically connected to the plates 84 at the mating
interface 42, and electrically isolated from the electrical
contacts 46 of the first leadframe assemblies 48. Thus, the ground
commoning member is electrically isolated from the electrical
signal contacts S of the first leadframe assemblies, and thus
further isolated from each of the differential signal pairs defined
by adjacent ones of the first leadframe assemblies 48, such as the
first and second select ones 48a and 48b of the first leadframe
assemblies 48. Thus, it can be said that the electrical connector
20 includes at least one first plate 84, such as a first plurality
of plates 84 that are disposed between adjacent pairs of broadside
coupled differential signal contacts S, and a second plate or
ground commoning member 92 that electrically connects the first
plurality of plates 84 at the mating interface 42 so as to
establish an electrical path between and including the first
plurality of plates 84 and the ground commoning member 92, thereby
placing each of the plates 84 that are connected to the ground
commoning member 92 in electrical communication. It should be
appreciated that at least two up to all of the plates 84 can be
connected to the ground commoning member 92 and placed in
electrical communication with each other. It should be appreciated
that the ground commoning member 92 can be configured as a plate as
illustrated, or otherwise configured as desired.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-6, in accordance with the
illustrated embodiment, at least two up to all of the leadframe
assemblies 80 can define a respective first plurality of slots,
such as respective retention slots 94 that are configured to
receive and retain the electrically ground commoning member 92. In
accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the each retention slot
94 extends rearwardly along the lateral direction A into the front
end of the respective leadframe housing 82, and further extends
rearwardly along the lateral direction A into the front end of the
respective plate bodies 86. In particular, the retention slots 94
can extend laterally into the plate bodies 86 at a location between
the upper pair 87a of mating portions 87 and the lower pair 87b of
mating portions 87. The plate body 86 can define a first or upper
surface 79a and a second or lower surface 79b that is spaced from
the first or upper surface 79a along the transverse direction T.
The first and second surfaces 79a and 79b at least partially define
the retention slots 94, and can be spaced at a distance sufficient
so as to define a thickness in the transverse direction T that is
substantially equal to or slightly less than that of the ground
commoning member 92 such that the corresponding leadframe
assemblies 80 are configured to securely retain the ground
commoning member 92 so as to maintain electrical communication
between the ground commoning member 92 and the respective plate
body 86.
[0043] In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the plate
body 86 can further include at least one retention member such as a
plurality of teeth 97 that are defined by at least one or both of
the first and second surfaces 79a and 79b, and extend along the
transverse direction toward the other of the first and second
surfaces 79a and 79b. For instance, as illustrated, the second
surface 79b defines a plurality of teeth 97 that project toward the
first surface 79a. The teeth 97 can define gripping surfaces that
engage the ground commoning member 92 when the ground commoning
member 92 is received in the corresponding retention slot 94. Thus,
the ground commoning member 92 can be friction fit in the retention
slots 94 between the teeth 97 and the opposed first surface 79a so
as to electrically connect the ground commoning member 92 to the
plates 84. It can thus be said that the teeth 97, and thus the
retention member, provide a retention force against the ground
commoning member 92 that retains the ground commoning member 92 in
the respective retention slots 94. Alternatively, the retention
member can be configured as at least one spring beam such as a
plurality of electrically spring beams that are connected, for
instance discretely or integrally, with the first and second side
surfaces 79a and 79b. The spring beams can deflect and make contact
with the ground commoning member 92 when the ground commoning
member is received in the corresponding retention slots 94, thereby
providing a retention force that retains the ground commoning
member 92 in the retention slots 94. When the ground commoning
member 92 defines a plate, the ground commoning member 92 and the
plates 84 are oriented orthogonal with respect to each other when
the ground commoning member 92 is disposed in the retention slots
94. For instance, the ground commoning member 92 can elongate along
a first plane, such as a horizontal plane defined by the
longitudinal and lateral directions L and A, while the plates 84
can be elongated along a second plane, such as a vertical plane
defined by the lateral and transverse direction A and T, such that
the first and second planes are substantially orthogonal to each
other.
[0044] Referring also to FIGS. 2-3, at least one up to all of the
leadframe assemblies 48 can define a respective second plurality of
slots 98 that extend laterally into the front ends of the
respective leadframe housings 50, at a location between the
electrical contacts 46 of the upper pairs 46a and the electrical
contacts 46 of the lower pairs 46b. Thus, the slots 98 can be
offset from each of the electrical contacts 46 of the respective
leadframe assembly 48. The slots 98 extend in a direction parallel
to the retention slots 94 of the leadframe assemblies 80, and
aligned with the retention slots 94 along the row direction 51.
Thus, a line extending along the row direction can extend through
both the slots 98 and the retention slots 94 when the leadframe
assemblies 48 and 80 are supported by the connector housing 30 for
operation. The slots 98 extend into the front ends of the first
leadframe housings 50 along the lateral direction A to a depth that
is spaced forward of the intermediate portions 74 of the electrical
contacts 46. The slots 98 define a thickness in the transverse
direction T that can be substantially equal to that of the
retention slots 94, and thus can be substantially equal to or less
than the transverse thickness of the ground commoning member 92.
Accordingly, the ground commoning member 92 can be press-fit into
the slots 98, and thus retained in the slots 98 by the respective
leadframe housing 50, without contacting the electrical contacts
46. Alternatively, the thickness slots 98 of the leadframe
assemblies 48 can be greater than that of the ground commoning
member 92 such that the ground commoning member 92 is received in
the slots 98, but not retained in slots 98 by the first leadframe
housing 50. Rather, the retention slots 94 can retain the ground
commoning member 92. Alternatively still, the leadframe assemblies
48 can be devoid of the slots 98, and the ground commoning member
92 can be notched so as to define slots that receive the first
leadframe housing 50 when the ground commoning member 92 is
received in the retention slots 94 of the leadframe assemblies
80.
[0045] As further illustrated in FIG. 5, the connector housing 30
can define a pocket 100 that is sized to receive the ground
commoning member 92, such that the ground commoning member 92 is
encapsulated by the housing 30, for instance at the front end 36 of
the housing 30. For instance, the front end of the ground commoning
member 92 is recessed with respect to the front end of the
connector housing 30. Thus, the ground commoning member 92 does not
extend forward from the mating interface 42, and thus does not
extend forward from the receptacles 45a and 45b along a lateral
mating direction along which the electrical connector 20 is
configured to be mated to the complementary electrical components
23. Furthermore, the ground commoning member 92 can be aligned with
at least a portion of the mating portions 70 and 87 of the
electrical contacts 46 and the conductive plate 84, respectively,
with respect to the transverse direction T. Thus, a line extending
along the transverse direction T, which is substantially
perpendicular to the mating direction, can extend through the
mating portions 70 and the ground commoning member 92, and a line
and 87 extending along the transverse direction T, which is
substantially perpendicular to the mating direction, can extend
through the mating portions 87 and the ground commoning member 92.
The ground commoning member 92 can be configured as a plate that is
elongate along a plane that is substantially parallel to the
mounting interface 44, and thus substantially parallel to the third
substrate 29. While the ground commoning member 92 is illustrated
as including a single plate that spans the longitudinal length of
the mating portions 70 and the mating portions 87 of the leadframe
assemblies 48 and 80, respectively, it should be appreciated that
the plate 92 can alternatively be segmented into discrete plate
segments as desired that each electrically common a select number
less than all of the electrically conductive plates 84.
[0046] As described above, the at least one complementary
electrical component 23 can be configured as a first optical
transceiver 26a that carries the first substrate 27, and a second
transceiver 26b that carries the second substrate 28 that are
configured to be inserted into the rows 47 and 49 of receptacles
45a-b, respectively. During operation, when the electrical
connector 20 is mated with the respective first and second
substrates 27 and 28 of the transceivers 26a-b, the differential
signal pairs defined by the upper pairs 46a of electrical contacts
46 can be configured to transmit signal data to the complementary
first substrate 27 (e.g., from the third substrate 29), and the
differential signal pairs defined by the lower pairs 46b of
electrical contacts 46 can be configured to receive signal data
from the complementary second substrate 28 and transmit the
received signal data to the third substrate 29. Alternatively, the
differential signal pairs defined by the upper pairs 46a of
electrical contacts can be configured to receive signal data from
the complementary first substrate 27 and transmit the received
signal data to the third substrate 29, and the differential signal
pairs of the lower pairs 46b of electrical contacts 46 are
configured to transmit signal data to the complementary second
substrate 28 (e.g., from the third substrate 29).
[0047] Thus, it can be said that at least one of the upper and
lower differential signal pairs defined by adjacent leadframe
assemblies 48 of a given pair 76 of leadframe assemblies 48 is
configured to transmit signal data along a direction from the
mounting interface 44 toward the mating interface 42, and the other
of the upper and lower differential signal pairs of a given pair 76
of leadframe assemblies 48 is configured to transmit signal data
along a direction from the mating interface 42 toward the mounting
interface 44. Thus, the electrical contacts 46 on one side of the
ground commoning member 92 can be configured to transmit electrical
signals from the third substrate 29 to the respective transceiver
26a or 26b, and the electrical contacts 46 on an opposite side of
the ground commoning member 92 can be configured to transmit
electrical signals from the respective transceiver 26a or 26b to
the third substrate 29. The ground commoning member 92 can provide
an electromagnetic shield disposed between the electrical contacts
46 that transmit electrical signals to the respective optical
transceiver and the electrical contacts 46 that receive electrical
signals from the respective transceiver.
[0048] Furthermore, while the connector 20 is configured to place
the third substrate 29 in electrical communication with one or more
transceivers 26a-b, it should be appreciated that the at least one
complementary electrical component 23 can define at least one
electrical component as desired that includes or is coupled to at
least one substrate, and a complementary electrical device, such as
the third substrate 29 or alternatively electrical device, at
another end.
[0049] During operation, the electrical connector 20 has been found
to achieve an impedance of approximately 100 Ohms+/-about 15% with
a risetime of approximately 30 picoseconds. The electrical
connector 20 has further been found to cross -40 decibel (dB)
near-end crosstalk at an operating frequency of about 12 gigahertz
(GHz). Thus, each differential signal pair achieves data transfer
rates of approximately 25 gigabits/second before reaching -40 dB
near-end crosstalk. The electrical connector 20 has further been
found to cross -40 decibel (dB) far-end crosstalk at an operating
frequency of between approximately 10-11 GHz. The electrical
connector 20 has further been found to cross an insertion loss of
-3 dB at an operating frequency of between approximately 19-20
GHz.
[0050] The embodiments described in connection with the illustrated
embodiments have been presented by way of illustration, and the
present invention is therefore not intended to be limited to the
disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, the structure and features of
each the embodiments described above can be applied to the other
embodiments described herein, unless otherwise indicated.
Accordingly, those skilled in the art will realize that the
invention is intended to encompass all modifications and
alternative arrangements included within the spirit and scope of
the invention, for instance as set forth by the appended
claims.
* * * * *